In the heart of downtown St. Louis, a towering menorah, recognized as the tallest west of Mississippi, was illuminated to celebrate the start of Hanukkah yesterday. The 29-foot Staenberg Menorah erected at Kiener Plaza not only stands as a beacon of Jewish tradition but also as a symbol of religious freedom and togetherness. According to First Alert 4, the lighting ceremony marks the beginning of a week-long public celebration, which includes music, food, and other activities through January 1, underscoring the harmonious coexistence of diverse holiday commemorations.
Rabbi Yosef Landa, the regional director of the Chabad of Greater St. Louis, shared insights into the menorah's deeper meaning at the lighting event. He said, "This event is coming on Hannukah. It's the tallest and the oldest that we have on this side of the Mississippi. It’s a wonderful manifestation and celebration of religious liberties, which is the hallmark of America. It’s a beautiful thing," as reported by Fox2Now. Standing next to Winterfest's festivities, which also occur nearby, the menorah's installation serves as a reminder of the nation's foundational values.
Community members attending the event were encouraged to carry the light back to their homes and continue the observance. "The hope is that everybody comes here, will go home and light the road menorah, that's the observance in the practice of Hanukkah. That middle candle is called the servants light, it's what we use to light the others with," Rabbi Landa explained, based on an interview by KSDK. In the essence of tradition, real oil and a wick are lit each night, replicating the ancient miracle which Hanukkah commemorates.
The confluence of Christmas and the Jewish festival has only occurred five times since 1900, adding a special layer to this year's celebrations. Marty Schwartz, a participant in the ceremony, expressed his aspiration for unity, "I hope St. Louis could be a shining light throughout the country and we have more togetherness with our people, the Jews, and just in general with everybody," Schwartz told KSDK.
